Gov. Bagudu swears-in five judges, two Khadis

Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi on Wednesday swore -in five High Court Judges and two Khadis of the state Sharia Court of Appeal with a call on them to maintain the integrity of the judiciary.

He said that without justice there would be no peace, and urged the judiciary to stand firm and uphold justice without fear or favour.

The governor said that the state must reform its laws including the Penal Code and Criminal procedure Code in line with current realities.

Bagudu particularly said that new provisions must be made to provide adequate punishment for those convicted of rape and kidnapping.

According to him, the Northern Governors Forum have since directed Attorneys’ General and Commissioners for Justice in the region to undertake comprehensive reforms of Criminal Laws and Code of Conduct Procedures.

He noted that the new appointees would replace those that retired recently.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rahmatu Gulma urged the new Judges to be courageous, fair and just in the administration of justice.

She said: ” I must quickly and respectively add, my Lords, that in as much as the standard required to becoming a judge is high, it requires a far higher standard to remain one.

“This is because the demand of the office are quite challenging.

“You deal with matters that more often than not, excite so much public interest and at times too much publicity for the comfort of my Lords’ quiet and recluse lifestyle.

“At other times, public expectations and sentiments may be tilted towards an expected outcome which may not be in line with the law.

“Do not give in to intimidation borne out of sentiments that have no bearing with the law.

“Never be swayed by partisan interest, neither by public clamour or fear of criticism. Be firm, fair and just to all.

“This is the only way that you can uphold the dignity of the Bench, this is the only way to maintain justice, equity and fairness.”

The new High Court Judges included Halima Aliu, Abubakar Sidiq, Stephen Kibo, Hassan Usman and Mainasara Umar, while the Khadis were Alhaji Usman Kudu and Alhaji Sani Randale.